Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson are to be joined by a fourth judge on the new series of 'American Idol'.
Reuters reports that Grammy-nominated songwriter Kara DioGuardi will make her debut on the eighth series of the show, which returns to US television in January 2009.
DioGuardi has written and produced songs for Gwen Stefani, Christina Aguilera and previous 'American Idol' winners Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson.
She also co-wrote the Kylie Minogue hit 'Spinning Around' with Abdul and describes herself as "feisty" and a "straight-shooter"
Commenting on DioGuardi joining the show, Mike Darnell, Head of Alternative Programming at Fox in the US, said: "For the past seven seasons, Paula has had to endure the experience of being the only woman at the judges table. With Kara by her side, Paula finally has some back-up, and now there is going to be a lot more 'girl power' on the show."
